Prenatal pregnancy complications and psychiatric symptoms: Children with ASD versus clinic controls

The current study examined the association between prenatal pregnancy complications (PPC) and childhood psychiatric symptoms in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and non-ASD children who were referred to a psychiatric clinic (Controls). Parents completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale and developmental history questionnaire. Participants were classified as having ≥1 PPC (+PPC) versus none (−PPC). Children with ASD were significantly more likely to have PPC than Controls. Intra-group comparisons demonstrated that children in the ASD + PPC group had more severe anxiety than ASD/−PPC group. The Control + PPC group obtained higher symptom ratings of inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositional behavior than Control/−PPC. Children in the ASD + PPC group were rated as having more severe anxiety and depression symptoms than Control + PPC. Dissimilar associations in ASD and non-ASD samples were found, suggesting divergent pathogenic processes in different clinical phenotypes.

► Children with ASD had more prenatal pregnancy complications (PPC) than Controls.
► ASD + PPC showed more severe anxiety than ASD/−PPC.
► ASD + PPC showed more severe anxiety and depression than Control + PPC.
► Control + PPC showed more disruptive behavioral symptoms than Control/−PPC.
► Suggests divergent pathogenesis related to PPC in children with and without ASD.